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November 28, 2017

Preview of Updated Style Hejnar PHOTO Quick Release Clamp Series

Despite some minor changes the look and feel of the Hejnar family of quick release clamps has remained unaltered for the past five or six years.
Somehow, a breeze of change started with the introduction of the new F291 last month, subsequently followed by the F361 and most recently the a new F363 and F363b, with a new approach to the shape and style of Hejnar clamps.

Common Features
The new approach is evident in the common features of these forementioned clamps:

Curved outlines on the jaws

Built in Bubble (spirit) Level on the front jaw.

While they maintain the high quality characteristics as the:

Decimal scales on both jaws

Safety stop relief grooves 2.6 mm deep.

Tongue in pocket design of the moving jaw guides which guaranty a long term impeccable operation by not allowing dirt and grit entering the clamp interior.

Otherwise they are functionally quite identical to their predecessors.

The F291 clamp

Manufacturer Specification:

Model:

F291B

Jaw Length:

1.5" (3.81 cm)

Weight:

118 gr (4.2 oz)

Center hole:

1 x Countersunk Threaded 3/8"-16

Short Black Screw Knob:

Captive Stops at maximum opening

Material:

6061-T6 Aluminium

Color:

Black hard coat anodized

Hardware:

Stainless Steel

Made in :

USA

It is evident that the most distinctive characteristic of the new F291B is the built in bubble level on the front. In order for it to fit, the front side of the clamp had to be extended forward and curved. I guess the rear moving jaw was also curved for a more homogeneous appearance and style.

The clamp is thicker than usual as original the F91b in order to accommodate the lower Arca type dovetail which enables it to act as an orientation changer for other clamps. E.g. quick exchange between collared lenses and camera plates on a Gimbal head with Arca type clamp.

The bottom side of the QR clamp is deeply carved out for any excess material to be removed and lower the wait as much as possible.

It is also easy to spot in the photo above, the tongue in pocket design of the moving jaw guides.

The F361 clamp

Manufacturer Specification:

Model:

F361B

Jaw Length:

1.5" (3.81 cm)

Weight:

100 gr (3.5 oz)

Center hole:

1 x Countersunk Threaded 3/8"-16

Short Black Screw Knob:

Captive Stops at maximum opening

Material:

6061-T6 Aluminium

Color:

Black hard coat anodized

Hardware:

Stainless Steel

Made in :

USA

In quite the same manner is the new F361b built, based on the F61b but with bubble level and curved front and rear sides.
In my question to Chris Hejnar, why they went into the trouble to change their clamp design to add a visible bubble level, the reply shows their commitment to precision.
They consider any bubble level externally attached on QR clamps as prone to misalignment by even a simple bump, no matter how precisely it could have been attached in factory.

Likewise, to match the front curves the rear jaw is also curved which somehow enlarges the clamp and adds some weight.

The F363 clamp

Manufacturer Specification:

Model:

F363 / F363B

Jaw Length:

3.25" (8.25 cm)

Weight:

138 gr (4.9 oz)

Center hole:

1 x Countersunk Threaded 3/8"-16

Side holes:

2 x Countersunk Threaded 1/4"-20 at 45 mm apart

Short Captive Screw Knob:

Stops at maximum opening

Material:

6061-T6 Aluminium

Color:

Black hard coat anodized

Hardware:

Stainless Steel

Made in :

USA

The Hejnar F63 clamp is the second most popular large quick release clamp from the Hejnar family.
A jaw length of 8.25 cm (3.25") is meant to clamp larger and heavier equipment or give space for in clamp adjustment, for better balancing or centering.
The F363 with the classic aluminum knob is based on the F63 as mentioned in the beginning with the obvious addition of the bubble level and the curved front and rear sides.

The bottom side is also deeply carved and hollowed out for weight minimization. Otherwise all mounting holes and alignment pin holes are there.

The long aluminum knob with the diamond pattern on the F363 is identical on all Hejnar QR clamps.

While the "b" at the end of the model name means a black knob as with the F363b below.

Compatibility
Arca Swiss® compatibility is a standard for Hejnar Photo products extended to this QR clamp as well regarding both its clamping jaws and the dovetail on the bottom. Hjenar Photo products work with Arca type clamps and plates from:

Price & Availability:
Current prices are US$ 65.00 for the F363 clamp and US$ 55.00 for the F291B clamp and US$ 45.00 for the F361B clamp (Shipping charges may apply according to destination).
All are available from the Hejnar Photo Online Store.

If you are interested in the product, do check the Recommended Sellers page for a valid Hejnar Photo discount coupon before placing your order in the Hejnar Photo online store.